The Pyrador is a mixed breed dog that is a cross between the fearless Great Pyrenees and the high-spirited Labrador Retriever. This dog is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and affectionate nature.
Pyradors are large dogs that can weigh up to 100 pounds and stand up to 30 inches tall. As such, they may need additional help keeping their joints healthy, like hip and joint mobility chews.
The Pyrador is a great family dog that is good with children and other pets. They are protective of their family and make excellent guard dogs. We consulted Leonard Green’s Guide on Pyradors to truly understand this powerful mix.
So, What is a Pyrador?
Pyrador is a mixed breed dog that is a cross between the Great Pyrenees and Labrador Retriever. It is a large dog breed that can weigh between 70 to 115 pounds and stand up to 28 inches tall at the shoulder. Pyradors have a thick double coat that comes in various colors, such as black, white, cream, and brown.
Other Great Pyrenees mixes like Pyradoodles have also recently gained traction due to the breed’s power and great temperament. No matter how different they are, Pyrenees and Labs mix beautifully into a unique, well-balanced dog.
One of the unique features of Pyradors is their protective nature. They have a strong instinct to protect their family and home, which makes them excellent watchdogs. However, this trait also means they may be wary of strangers and require proper socialization from a young age.
Check out this cute Pyrador puppy:
History and Origins of the Lab Pyrenees Mixed Breed
The Pyrador/Labrenees were first bred in the United States in the 1990s. The goal was to create a breed that combined the best traits of both the Labrador Retriever and the Great Pyrenees. You can better understand this mix by knowing the parent breeds’ origins.
The Labrador Retriever is a well-known breed that originated in Newfoundland, Canada. They were originally bred to help fishermen retrieve fish that had fallen out of nets or escaped from fishing lines. They are known for their friendly and loyal nature, as well as their intelligence and trainability.
The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. It’s a large breed that originated in the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural border between France and Spain. They were originally bred to guard livestock and were known for their strength, courage, and loyalty.
They are also known for their thick, white coat, which helps them blend in with the snow and protect them from the cold. Now, they’re known as the fearless protectors of livestock and their families.
Take Casper, for example, the Great Pyrenees that protect sheep against 11 coyotes; and won.
Physical Characteristics of a Pyrador
How Big Will a Pyrador Get?
Pyradors are large dogs that can weigh anywhere from 80 to 120 pounds (36 to 54 kg). They can grow up to 22 to 30 inches (56 to 76 cm) in height at the shoulder.
What Does a Pyrador Look Like?
Labraneese typically have a sturdy and muscular build, combining the athletic physique of the Labrador Retriever with the strength and power of the Great Pyrenees. These dogs often boast an impressive size, falling into the large to giant category.
They have a massive head with a fairly short muzzle and floppy ears. Their eyes are usually brown or hazel and have an intelligent expression. They have a fluffy tail that curls up over their back.
Pyrador Coat & Color
Their coat is thick, double-layered, and weather-resistant, providing the best protection against the cold. Pyradors shed moderately throughout the year, and they shed heavily (molt) twice a year during the spring and fall.
Pyradors come in a variety of colors, including:
- Black;
- White;
- Cream;
- Fawn; and
- Brindle.
They can have solid colors or a combination of two or more colors.
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Temperament, Intelligence, And Trainability Of A Pyrador
Pyradors are known for their friendly, loyal, and affectionate temperament. Pyradors are gentle giants who love to be around people and are great with children. They are also protective of their family and make excellent watchdogs.
The star Pyrador character trait is their protective instinct. While you’ll mostly see them being mellow, happy-go-lucky dogs, they can instantly turn into a peerless protector, thanks to their Pyrenees genes.
In terms of intelligence, Pyradors are highly intelligent dogs that are quick learners. They are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. They are also very adaptable and can learn to adjust to different environments and situations.
Health and Lifespan of a Pyrador
Pyradors are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. However, they are prone to certain health issues their parents breed. A study analyzes health issues in Labradors, giving you insight into what issues this mix may have:
- Hip dysplasia: As a large to giant dog, this mix may suffer from a condition where the joints and sockets don’t connect properly.
- Arthritis.
- Addison’s disease is where the body doesn’t make enough of certain hormones. A study showed that Pyrenees have a 10% increased risk of this condition than other breeds.
- Obesity: Research has shown that about 8.8% of Labs are obese, which may pass over to the mixed breed.
- Serious Ear infections that lead to hot ears and a foul smell, especially if chocolate labs are used.
- Cancers such as osteosarcoma.
- Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV), where the stomach twists due to the presence of air.
- Neurological issues like Neuronal Degeneration.
- Eye issues like entropion and ectropion (eyelid diseases).
- Exercise-induced collapse.
- Dental issues, skin infections, allergies leading to face swelling, and food sensitivity.
Caring for a Pyrador
Diet Requirements
A Pyrador is a large breed that requires a well-balanced diet of high-quality animal protein (30%) to maintain a healthy weight and avoid health problems.
It is important to avoid overfeeding your Pyrador and to monitor their weight regularly. Labs never get tired of food and may pass this appetite to these mixes. Therefore ration the food properly to prevent obesity, and feed them twice a day to prevent bloat.
This is also a very large to giant breed dog, and it is absolutely essential to keep them lean to minimize joint issues as they grow.
Exercise Needs
It is recommended to give Labreneese at least 45 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, but they can handle more if they are given the opportunity. However, remember that they may suffer from exercise-induced collapse, so give them low-impact workouts. They should also not do too much running or jumping to save their joints.
Pyradors also enjoy swimming, hiking, and playing fetch. It is important to provide them with enough space to move around and play. They also need mental stimulation using puzzle toys and commands.
How To Groom a Pyrador
Pyradors have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and clean.As far as grooming goes, these dogs are quite high-maintenance. They shed moderately throughout the year but tend to shed heavily during seasonal changes.
- Brushing their coat at least three times a week can help reduce shedding and prevent matting.
- Bathing should be done monthly or as needed with a gentle shampoo, but not too often, as it can strip their coat of natural oils.
- It is important to clean their ears with dog ear wipes biweekly and trim their nails monthly with canine cutters to avoid infections and discomfort.
- Brush their teeth 2 to 3 times a week and use a doggy dental rinse.
It is vital to know how to groom a Labrador Pyrenees mix because these dogs are extremely prone to heavy matting when they have longer fur. See this video for how to groom a Great Pyrenees for a guideline for what it take to really take care of their coat:
Does the Pyrador get along with other animals and children?
Pyradors are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them great companions for families with children and other pets. However, these dogs must never be left with children without supervision as they’re too big and could hurt them.
Socialization allows these dogs to get along with other animals better. However, they can sometimes be aggressive with other dogs of the same gender. When raised with other animals, they can be quite protective.
Training a Pyrador
Training a Pyrador can be a rewarding experience for both the owner and the dog. Pyradors are intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn at times and a little slow to react to commands.
Consistency and positive reinforcement are key when it comes to training a Pyrador, and they do tend to work well for food, so handfeeding is really helpful with these dogs.
Pyradors are also known for their protective nature, so it is important to teach them when it is appropriate to bark or alert their owners. However, it is equally important to teach them when to stop barking and how to respond to commands to calm down.
Ideal Pyrador Home
- A home with a yard;
- People that want a guard dog;
- Non-allergic individuals;
- Fairly active individuals; and
- Multi-pet homes.
Where to Get a Pyrador
Pyradors are a unique and beautiful breed that can make excellent companions for the right owner. If you’re interested in getting a Pyrador, there are a few options to consider.
Adoption
When adopting a Pyrador, it’s important to do your research and find a reputable organization. Look for a shelter or rescue that has experience with the breed and can provide you with information about the dog’s temperament and history. Some organizations may also offer training and support to help you and your new dog adjust to life together.
Breeders
Breeders can provide you with a puppy that has been carefully selected for health and temperament. However, it’s important to do your research and find a reputable breeder who is dedicated to producing healthy, well-socialized puppies.
When looking for a Pyrador breeder, ask to see health certifications for the parents and puppies. Good breeders will be happy to provide this information and will be transparent about any health issues in their breeding lines.
It’s also important to visit the breeder in person and meet the puppies and their parents to get a sense of their temperament and living conditions. Remember, the Pyrador is not a recognized purebred dog, so the likelihood that they are backyard bred without proper health and temperament testing is very high. Therefore, it’s important to look into adoption options and avoid supporting backyard breeders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Pyradors aggressive?
Pyradors are generally not aggressive dogs. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities and are often great with children. However, as with any breed, individual temperament can vary, and some Pyradors may have a more protective or territorial nature. Proper socialization and training can help ensure a well-behaved Pyrador.
Is a Pyrador a good hunting dog?
Pyradors are not generally good hunting dogs. They are a bit heavier than the Labrador and prone to overheating, so they don’t have the stamina for most hunting activities. They can make passable family guardians though.
Is the Pyrador hypoallergenic?
No, Pyradors are not hypoallergenic. Both the Labrador Retriever and the Great Pyrenees are known for shedding, and Pyradors inherit this trait. They require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and to minimize shedding.
Is a Great Pyrenees lab mix a good dog?
Pyradors, also known as Great Pyrenees Lab mixes, can make great pets for the right family. They are loyal, affectionate, and intelligent dogs.They are also better guard dogs than their Lab parents. However, they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation, and their size and shedding can be a consideration for some families.
Does the Pyrador shed?
Yes, Pyradors shed. Both the Labrador Retriever and the Great Pyrenees are known for shedding, and Pyradors inherit this trait. Regular grooming can help minimize shedding.
Does the Pyrador drool?
Some Pyradors may drool, while others may not. The Great Pyrenees is known for drooling, while the Labrador Retriever is not. As with any mixed breed, individual traits can vary, so it’s best to meet the dog in person before making a decision.
Final Thoughts
The Pyrador is a relatively new breed that was created by crossing two purebred dogs: the Labrador Retriever and the Great Pyrenees. They are known for their friendly and loyal nature, as well as their intelligence and trainability.
Meet Your Experts
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.